PHDC FAQ

Providence Historic District Commission Frequently Asked Questions

Do all changes require review?
The PHDC reviews changes which affect the exterior of a property or its setting. Since ordinary repairs and replacement of features can affect exterior appearance, these actions are also subject to review. Interior alterations are not reviewed; nonetheless, be aware of interior changes which have exterior impacts, such as room renovations which require closing up an existing window or cutting a new door.

How long does the review take?
By law, the PHDC has 45 days from the receipt of a complete application to make a decision whether to approve or deny the project. Most applications are reviewed within 30 days; staff reviews, where no public meeting is required, are usually completed in less than a week. All PHDC decisions are given in writing; no approvals are made verbally.

Are PHDC decisions binding?
Yes. If the PHDC does not approve a project, it cannot go forward. The law does provide an appeal period of 20 days from the date of a written decision. Appeals go to the Zoning Board of Appeal, then to the Superior Court and Supreme Court if necessary.

Are there any items exempt from review?
The following items are exempt from PHDC review:light fixtures, security grilles, portable window air conditioners, buzzers/ intercom systems, alarm devices, door hardware, utility meters, window boxes, ornamental statuary, garden furnishings, plant materials, temporary signs, lawn irrigation systems, and paint colors.

Will I be told what color to paint my house?
NO! Paint color, which does not change the inherent integrity of a structure, is exempt from review. However, paint removal methods (other than hand scraping and sanding), the painting of previously unpainted surfaces, and any repairs needed before repainting are all subject to review. Advice on appropriate paint colors and surface preparation is available on request from the PHDC staff. The PHDC does review sign colors and colors integral to a material, such as the color of roof shingles.

What about exterior siding?
Installation of vinyl, aluminum or other modern composition sidings can substantially alter the appearance of wood clapboards and shingles and can obliterate details such as window and door surrounds, brackets, moldings, and other elements. Artificial sidings are not appropriate on historic buildings. In addition, sandblasting is extremely damaging to wood and brick surfaces and will not be approved.

Can windows be replaced?
Usually, original window sash can be repaired and retained. If not, the replacement should match the historic sash in size, operation, materials, configuration, number of lights (panes), muntin detail, and profile. Window manufacturers today offer a wide variety of factory-made windows appropriate for installation in historic buildings. Generally, aluminum and vinyl windows are not appropriate replacements for historic wood sash.

I have a "plaque" on my house. Does that make it historic?
Most houses with plaques on them have been granted their marker by the Providence Preservation Society as part of its Historic Property Marker Program. This marker does NOT designate whether or not a structure is within the jurisdiction of the Providence Historic District Commission. To find out if your building is within a city-designated historic overlay zone contact the PHDC staff, Jason Martin, at 401.680.8517 or jmartin@providenceri.com.

What happens if a property owner does not get PHDC approval for a locally designated property before doing exterior work?
All buildings within the PHDC's jurisdiction will be flagged by the Department of Inspection & Standards (DIS) during the building permit application process for exterior work. A Certificate of Approporiateness or letter of exempt issued by the PHDC or its staff for is needed for all locally designated historic properties to be issued a buildig permit. Failure to gain approval from the PHDC before work begins may result in a violation being issued by the DIS, a lien being placed on the property and the issue being referred to the City's Housing Court for adjudication.